Chief Minister Andrew Barr stated Manuka Oval and other venues can host elite sports, amid concerns over Canberra Stadium's condition after recent leaks and safety issues.
Chief Minister Andrew Barr says Manuka Oval - or "other rectangular football venues" - are capable of hosting elite sport in the capital if the ageing Canberra Stadium is deemed no longer fit for purpose.
Speaking for the first time since shattered glass and a leaking roof exposed major flaws inside Canberra Stadium, Barr deflected questions about the incidents which have sparked uproar across the sporting landscape over the past week.
The Chief Minister cited a severe thunderstorm as a reason for the leaks inside the stadium tunnel and main change rooms which left Canberra Raiders officials scrambling to find plastic tubs and wheelie bins to catch the water falling from the ceiling.
The leaking ceilings and shattered glass in the opposition coach's box - which left Canterbury coach Cameron Ciraldo needing stitches - have reignited fears the home of the Raiders and ACT Brumbies is no longer fit for purpose.